Silk-Elastin-like Polymers for Acute Intraparenchymal Treatment of the Traumatically Injured Spinal Cord: A First Systematic Experimental Approach

Pharmaceutics, 2022 · DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122713 · Published: December 3, 2022

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition with limited treatment options. This study explores a new biomaterial, silk-elastin-like polymers (SELPs), for SCI treatment, specifically using an SELP called (EIS)2-RGD6. The (EIS)2-RGD6 was injected directly into the injured spinal cord of rats to see how it distributed, how well cells could grow on it, and whether it helped with recovery. The researchers looked at motor function, myelin (nerve insulation), inflammation, and scarring. The results showed that (EIS)2-RGD6 could be injected without causing more damage, it spread well throughout the injured area, and it created a supportive structure for cells to grow into. It also appeared to reduce scarring associated with SCI.

Study Duration

42 days

Participants

92 adult female Wistar rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
(EIS)2-RGD6 can be acutely injected in the lesioned spinal cord without inducing further damage.
2
(EIS)2-RGD6 showing a widespread distribution covering all lesioned areas with a single injection.
3
(EIS)2-RGD6 even reducing SCI-associated ﬁbrosis.

Research Summary

This study evaluates the effects elicited by the minimally invasive acute intraparenchymal injection of an SELP-based injectable corecombinamer named (EIS)2-RGD6 in an in vivo clinically relevant rat model of contusive SCI. After determination of the best injection system, the in vivo distribution, structure, porosity, biodegradability, and cell inﬁltration capacity of (EIS)2-RGD6 were assessed. Altogether, these observations suggest that (EIS)2-RGD6—and, by extension, SELPs—could be promising polymers for the design of therapeutic strategies for SCI treatment.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

SELPs, specifically (EIS)2-RGD6, could be a promising avenue for developing new treatments for spinal cord injury.

Delivery Method

The study showed the feasibility and benefits of using injectable hydrogels for targeted drug/cell delivery in SCI.

Scar Reduction

The finding that (EIS)2-RGD6 reduces fibrosis suggests it may improve the long-term outcome after SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Further research is needed to determine the specific cell types that infiltrate the (EIS)2-RGD scaffold.
2
The study did not assess axonal growth and neovascularization.
3
The exact stiffness of (EIS)2-RGD6 at the concentration used was not determined.

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